Moving to Australia as a Doctor

TL;DR

Doctors can migrate to Australia as permanent residents (189, 190, 491) or temporary workers (482, 494). Medical Registration is mandatory. The Australian Medical Council (AMC) assesses overseas qualifications and conducts exams. The pathway takes 6-24 months depending on your speciality and current qualifications. IELTS 7.5+ is required. Demand is acute across most states, especially regional areas.

Visa Options at a Glance

Medical Registration: AMC Pathway

The Australian Medical Council (AMC) must assess and register all overseas-trained doctors. This is the longest step in migration.

AMC assessment has three pathways:

Pathway 1: Direct Registration – Your degree is recognised, credentials are strong, and you meet exams. Usually takes 6-9 months after application. Common for UK, Canadian, and some Indian medical graduates.

Pathway 2: AMC Exams – Your degree requires exam verification. You sit written and clinical exams (usually 3-6 months of study). Results take 8-12 weeks after exams. Total timeline: 6-12 months.

Pathway 3: Additional Training – Your credentials are significantly different from Australian standards. You may need supervised practice (3-12 months) before registration. Typically adds 6-18 months to the pathway.

Key documents:

Medical degree certificate and transcript. Proof of medical registration in your home country. Evidence of work history and clinical experience (minimum 2-3 years). Medical indemnity insurance. Police clearance. Health check (AHPRA requirements).

General Practitioner (GP) vs. Specialist

GPs (ANZSCO 253111) – General Practitioners register via AMC. After AMC registration, you apply to a state for GP registration. Most states have clear pathways. Timeline: 8-14 months total.

Specialists (ANZSCO 253999) – Specialists register through their specific college (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners – RACGP, Australasian College for Emergency Medicine – ACEM, etc.). These colleges have additional requirements: additional exams, supervised practice, and fellowship. Timeline: 12-24 months or longer.

Specialists typically score higher points (85-95) due to their qualifications. GPs score 80-90 points depending on age and experience.

Points and Eligibility

Doctors (GPs and specialists) are on the MLTSSL. Medical professionals are high-priority migrants due to workforce shortages.

Points breakdown for a typical GP:

- Age 30–39: 25 points
- Medical degree: 20 points
- IELTS 7.5+: 20 points
- 5–8 years work experience: 10 points
- Total: 75 points

This may reach 189 (90+) if you're younger or have IELTS 8.0+. More likely, you'll use 190 (state sponsorship).

Points breakdown for a specialist:

Specialists typically add 5-10 more points due to professional recognition. With IELTS 8.0+ and age 25–32, specialists can reach 95+ points for 189 alone.

English Language Requirements

IELTS 7.5 or higher is required (Professional English). This is non-negotiable for medical registration. All four components must meet 7.5.

Alternative tests: OET (Occupational English Test, specifically for healthcare), Cambridge English, TOEFL, or PTE. OET is often preferred by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency).

Prepare for English exams early. Medical terminology requires specific study.

Cost Breakdown

Visa application charges are those in force from 1 July 2026.

Employer-sponsored 482 visas shift costs to the employer but provide no permanent pathway unless you later transition.

Processing Timelines

AMC assessment and registration: 6–18 months from application to registration. This is the longest step.

State medical registration (after AMC): 4–12 weeks depending on state and speciality.

Visa application processing (189/190/491): 8–12 weeks after AMC registration is complete and visa application is submitted.

Visa application processing (482/494): 4–8 weeks for employer-nominated applications.

Total pathway: 12–26 months from start (AMC application) to visa grant. Budget for delays in AMC assessment.

Where Doctors Are Needed

MLTSSL status: Yes, GPs and specialists are on the Medium and Long Term Strategic Skills List. High demand across all states.

State sponsorship demand:

- New South Wales: Highest demand, especially GPs. Sydney has acute shortages. Points threshold: 75–85.
- Victoria: Strong demand for GPs and specialists. Melbourne has gaps. Points threshold: 80–90.
- Queensland: Growing population, high demand. Points threshold: 75–85.
- Western Australia: Severe GP shortage outside Perth. Regional areas prioritised. Points threshold: 70–80.
- South Australia: Acute shortage of GPs and specialists. Lower competition. Points threshold: 65–75.
- Tasmania: Critical shortage. Fast-track sponsorship available. Points threshold: 60–70.

Regional areas (outside major cities) often have lower thresholds and priority processing. Consider regional relocation for faster visa grants.

Country-Specific Starting Points

Medical education systems differ. Your degree's recognition affects your timeline.

From India: Indian medical graduates (IMGs) are common in Australia. Your degree is likely recognised if from a WDOMS-listed university. Budget 12-18 months for AMC. See India to Australia Visa Options.

From the United Kingdom: UK medical degrees are directly recognised. AMC assessment is faster (6-9 months). Many UK doctors proceed to 189 or 190. See UK Doctor to Australia.

From South Africa: South African medical degrees are recognised. Timeline is 8-14 months. State sponsorship is common.

From Pakistan or other countries: Check WDOMS listing first. Non-listed degrees require additional verification and longer timelines.

Common Reasons for Refusal

AMC registration rejected:

Your medical degree is not recognised by WDOMS. You failed AMC exams after multiple attempts. Clinical experience is insufficient or not documented. Police clearance shows criminal convictions (even minor offences can cause issues in healthcare).

Visa application refused:

IELTS score below 7.5 in any component. False information on your application. Medical examination reveals communicable disease or serious mental health condition. Failure to provide proof of AMC registration. Financial capacity not demonstrated (for dependants).

State registration blocked:

Some Australian states have lengthy state registration queues. This can delay visa processing by months. Check state timelines before choosing sponsorship.

You can reapply after circumstances change. See Visa Refused? Appeal or Reapply.

Specialist Pathways

Specialists (cardiologists, surgeons, psychiatrists, etc.) follow college-specific pathways. Each college sets exams, supervised practice requirements, and fellowship criteria. This adds 6-24 months beyond AMC registration.

Common specialist colleges:

- Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
- Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM)
- Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS)
- Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP)

Contact your relevant college early. Each has different timelines.

The 485 Graduate Route

If you completed medical training in Australia on a student visa, you can apply for a 485 Graduate Visa after graduation. This gives you 18 months (2 years for PhD) to complete AMC registration and secure visa sponsorship.

Next Steps: Get Professional Advice

Medical migration is complex. Timelines vary by state, college, and your specific qualifications. A MARA-registered migration agent with healthcare sector experience can:

- Advise on AMC pathways for your degree
- Estimate realistic timelines
- Guide state sponsorship options
- Prepare your visa application

Start AMC assessment immediately. It's the longest step. Visa processing is relatively fast once you're AMC-registered.

What's the difference between GP and specialist registration?

GPs register directly via AMC after passing exams. Specialists register through their relevant college (RACGP, ACEM, etc.) and follow additional pathways.

How long does AMC registration take?

6-18 months depending on whether you need AMC exams or straight registration. Additional specialist registration adds 6-12 months.

Is my overseas degree recognised?

Only if listed on the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDOMS) or equivalent. AMC checks this first; non-recognised degrees require additional verification.

What visa do doctors usually get?

189 (if points are high), 190 (state sponsorship, common), or 482 (immediate employment). Specialists may score higher on points.

Do I need state registration before the visa?

No, but you need evidence of AMC registration or exam results in your visa application. Final state registration happens after visa grant.